You don’t understand — carelessly muttered to carelessly dismiss my concerns.
Every time he muttered those three words, he pushed me away a bit more…
…absently recoiling into his world. What was it that I didn’t understand? He never bothered to enlighten me.
Was it a fear that I might comprehend, perhaps everything? Or was it that he himself was lost in a sea of confusion, not understanding anything at all?
The distance between our worlds widened as he sought refuge in those three words. ‘You don’t understand’ was his refuge, after all.
A veil to disguise the inner turbulence.
A feeble attempt to stay a step ahead of me, to keep me in dark.
Perhaps he thought it was better than running away from our life without realizing that he had been miles away from our life together already. He never stopped. He could never. He could only pretend that he was holding the fort.
Those three words…
You don’t understand how seemingly casual words could cause forever damage in a relationship.
You don’t understand…until it is too late.
This piece is written in response to the two hundredth and fourth edition of Fiction Monday inspired by the word prompt – TURBULENCE hosted by yours truly. Do join in if you have a tale to tell.
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Void Thoughts 
Though I never said those words aloud, I have said it so many times in my head. So many times when I didn’t share my thoughts and feelings with those close to me. When I was too scared that they would really not understand and then where would that leave me?
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How much I dislike these three words. I get them more from my teens than my husband and my instinctive reply is ‘Make me understand’. If we don’t look beyond those words, they can spell the end of any relationship.
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It’s so true – not being vulnerable with your partner can lead to so much pain and confusion for the other person, making them feel inadequate. Very well articulated.
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“You won’t understand.” Three words that are heartbreaking when uttered with a finality that says you have been shut out of their world and that you are no longer invited.
Beautifully narrated, Vinitha!
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I might have said that too at times 😊and yeah it is harder to explain. I guess it is because the mind is still processing emotions and need clarity before any explanation can be given. But I can imagine how this can shut down communication.
Great write up for the prompt.
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